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Feeling the need to make a thread on WHY Native mascots are harmful (and no, it's not about our delicate little feelings). The following is a summary on some of the actual effects of these mascots. 1/
"A series of studies show that if Native Americans are shown images of stereotypical Native American mascots ... self-esteem goes down, belief in community goes down, belief in achievement goes down, and mood goes down." 2/
"Similarly, if someone who is non-Native American sees a stereotypical image of a Native American mascot, their association with the Native American community also gets worse." 3/
Both quotes from clinical psychologist Michael Friedman, the author of a report discussing the harms of Native mascots. 30 pages
feel free to dive in: httpp://www.espn.go.com/pdf/2013/1030/espn_otl_Oneida_study.pdf 4/
feel free to dive in: httpp://www.espn.go.com/pdf/2013/1030/espn_otl_Oneida_study.pdf 4/
Beyond the studies, we also recognize that the representation of Native people as mascots is often homogenous (presents all tribes as interchangeable), historical (pre-1900 at least), and highly stereotyped. 5/
The result of such displays are the perception that all Indigenous nations have the same cultural identifiers, we exist only in the past, and that we are "savage," warlike, or stoic (see: Noble Indian trope) 6/
When young people (both Native and non-Native) are exposed to these images, they internalize their idea of what Native people are supposed to be. 7/
Obvious, the belief in homogenous Indian figures harms our representation and challenges our ability to communicate issues facing our specific communities. Obviously, it also contributes to other cultural mishmashes (See: VS model w/ headdress, leopard print, turquoise) 8/
The general concept of Native people as existing only in the past is something I find especially damaging. It is perpetuated across media, including the textbooks. In fact...9/
"A staggering 87 percent of references to American Indians in all 50 states' academic standards portray them in a pre-1900 context." (Read more here: https://psmag.com/social-justice/u-s-schools-teaching-children-native-americans-history-95324
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What effect does this have on us now? Great question! Obviously it means that Native issues are ignored. Few individuals have indigenous issues on their radar at all and thanks to (see above report) the data, when they do, they are inclined to think of us in a negative light. 11/
Which brings me to that pesky notion that we are savage. Or silent. Or spiritual and talk to wolves and eagles. These are all hurdles to gaining traction when first we must dismantle stereotypes about ourselves. 12/
"[The data help] us get past what's been a constant refrain in the debate over these mascots. One side says, "Look, we're offended." The other side says, "Look, we don't mean to give any offense." And you end up with a he-said, she-said battle of opinions" 13/
"The data seem to show at a pretty general level that there is a disconnect between how people think about these issues consciously and unconsciously." You can have a positive view of Native mascots but unconsciously they are still causing harm. 14/
And here's a great NPR article where I got some of the quotes and research. https://www.npr.org/2013/11/12/244767646/whats-in-a-name-parents-take-on-mascot-debate
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In summary, this isn't about our delicate snowflake dispositions, but rather, the actual measurable harm that Native mascots have on our communities. No amount of "get over it" will change that. 16/
Now that you're armed with all this wonderful knowledge, go out in the world and use it to make a difference. 
Adding a couple more links to this: https://missoulian.com/news/local/mascots-can-reinforce-stereotypes-a-um-researcher-finds/article_f7c426d6-a494-551a-afa5-71577c5f5b55.amp.html
American Psychological Association's statement on this: http://apa.org/pi/oema/resources/indian-mascots.aspx
Annnnnd some HuffPo https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/140153
